Regripping golf clubs at home has become more popular in the past couple years. It is a great way to save some extra money while making sure that your golf grips are up to snuff.
However, regripping your golf grips at home does come with some challenges. One of them being the removal of the old golf grip tape. Old tape or grip tape that was secured incorrectly can be difficult to remove.
Removing grip tape can be a frustrating process if you don’t know the tips and tricks or do not have the proper tools.
In the article below, we outlined the best ways to remove golf grip tape. Plus, we will cover some pro tips that you won’t want to miss. We have a lot to cover so let’s get started!
How To Remove Golf Grip Tape
1) Using Grip Solvent
Grip solvent is a chemical solution specifically designed to soften and loosen grip tape. Applying the solvent will make it easier to remove tape from the golf grip.
To do this, simply apply a liberal amount of grip solvent to the tape. It is best to use a spray bottle to get a through covering on the grip. Once applied, let the solvent sit for a few minutes before attempting to remove the tape.
Once the tape has been sufficiently softened by the solvent, use a box cutter or scissors to carefully cut it away from the club. Repeat this process as needed for any trouble areas.
2) Apply Heat
Applying heat to the grip tape can also making it easier to remove by softening the tape. This can be done with a hair dryer or by soaking the club in hot water.
To use a hair dryer, hold the hair dryer about 6 inches away from the grip tape and apply heat for several minutes. Move the hair dryer up and down the shaft of the club, making sure you apply heat evenly across the tape. After a couple of minutes, the tape should begin to soften and loosen.
When soaking the club in hot water, fill a container with warm to hot water and let the club soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
Whether using a hair dryer or warm water, continue to apply heat until the tape becomes pliable. Once the grip tape is giving way, use a box cutter or scissors to carefully cut it away from the club.
3) Use A Utility Knife Or Scissors
Cutting away the grip tape with a utility knife or scissors can also be effective by itself, although this approach works best when applied after one of the methods above.
Use a vice grip to properly secure the club shaft. Hold the utility knife at a 30-dgree to 40-degree angle. Slowly and carefully cut away the grip tape, following the contours of the club. Be sure to cut as close to the club as possible to minimize any residue left behind.
4) Use A Grip Tape Removal Tool When All Is Fails
A grip tape removal tool is a great way to remove golf grip tape, especially if the above methods didn’t work. These specialized tools are designed to remove grip tape quickly and easily.
They are perfect for golfers who don’t want to spend a lot of time struggling to remove the tape or find themselves replacing grips often.
Place the blade or blade-like edge of the tool under the grip tape and carefully slice through the tape, following the contours of the club. The tool should easily cut through the tape, allowing you to remove it in one smooth motion.
3 Pro Tips For Removing Golf Grip Tape
1) Use A Vice Grip
Buying a vice grip and golf shaft clamps is one of the best investments you can make if you plan on regripping clubs regularly. These tools will ensure that the golf shaft does not move during the removal process.
While these tools are not necessary for regripping your clubs, they will allow you to regrip faster and, more importantly, more safely.
2) Wear Protective Gloves
Wearing thicker gloves is also a great safety precaution. I’ve personally sliced my finger removing golf grips in the past and it was a painful injury.
Gloves won’t provide complete protection when regripping, but they will serves as a barrier for any between your hands and the utility knife or scissors.
3) Make Sure All Tape And Tape Residue Are Removed
Lastly, make sure that you remove all remnants of the old tape. You do not want to leave old golf grip tape or residue on your clubs.
If you are regripping your golf clubs, you should have some spare golf grip solvent at your disposal. We recommend wiping down the club with solvent or another liquid to make sure all the tape residue is removed from the club.
Final Thoughts
Removing golf grip tape can be a frustrating process but it doesn’t need to be. All the methods above will ensure that all the golf grip tape is removed from your golf shaft before regripping.
If you are regripping your golf clubs, while we always recommend using golf grip solvent, but there are alternatives. Check out our articles on regripping golf clubs with WD-40, water and soap, and paint thinner.
Hopefully, you liked this article and found it informative. Check out our other blog posts if you liked this one!
